While "disappointed" at posting a $116,000 cash loss in 2011-12, Ashburn Clinic in Dunedin is continuing to weather difficult financial times, its business director says.
Releasing the final cash loss for the last full financial year, Lindsay Smith said in a statement he was pleased the Ministry of Health had confirmed long-term funding for 25 beds at the private psychiatric provider.
He was also gratified private-paying client numbers were climbing back to levels seen before the financial recession.
"Now that the ministry has confirmed our place in the national mental health structure, we are actively working with [district health boards] round New Zealand to ensure that, where required, their patients have access to the treatment we are able to offer."
The clinic had to cut staff in 2010 when it faced a "major drop" in demand from ACC, the Ministry of Health, and the private sector.
"Like many businesses, we have found the last two years to be very difficult financially," he said.
The clinic, which celebrated its 130th anniversary last month, provided "unique services", of which it was very proud.
Ashburn made a significant contribution to Dunedin. More than 80% of its income derived from outside Dunedin, and it spent most of that in the city on wages and local suppliers.
When contacted, Mr Smith said he would not disclose the clinic's full financial result.
Board chairman Bruce Smaill said the clinic was in a reasonable financial position, considering the constraints on funding in health at present.
It could take more patients if there was demand, he said.
A fundraising drive to raise about $500,000 a year had not been successful in its first few months, he said.
The clinic wants to attract grants from funding organisations to shore up its financial position.
Mr Smaill said one of the sticking points was that patients had objected to the clinic applying to funding bodies whose money was derived from gambling or alcohol. This would count out the New Zealand Lotteries Commission, among others.
The clinic still planned to pursue the fundraising project, he said.
